When it was put to him that Oxlade-Chamberlain was considering leaving Arsenal, Wenger said: “He didn’t say that. He said he will consider the situation at the end of the season. That is completely different.

“I can understand, but on the other hand, you buy a young player at 17 years of age, you spend a lot of money, then you would like him to stay at the club.

Arsenal’s best performances to date suggest they are capable of challenging for major honours if that consistency can be achieved.

Wenger’s latest attempt to drill this into his players, publicly at least, is to repeat the message that respecting the game’s basics will enable their talent to do the rest when Ludogorets play at Emirates Stadium tonight.

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Arsenal vs Ludogorets

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Arsenal vs Ludogorets

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Arsenal vs Ludogorets

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Arsenal vs Ludogorets

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“We play three home games this week and we are maybe the favourites in every game, or expected to win every game,” he told Standard Sport.

“We know as well, and we learnt against Swansea, that as soon as you ease off a little you’re in trouble because the differences between teams is very small.

Meanwhile, Ludogorets captain Svetoslav Dyakov believes the Bulgarian champions have highlighted Arsenal's weak spot - even if he believes the Gunners are one of the best teams in the world.

"It is a unique stadium and every player dreams to play here," he said on the eve of the contest.

"Arsenal is one of the teams which are playing some of the best football in the world, they can play their style of game against Barcelona or anybody, there is a lot of movement, a lot of passing the ball. It will be a pleasure to play here against them.

"Teams like Arsenal have very few weak spots, our coach has given us the information and I can't disclose it. If we have some luck and play well, we can expect something from the game."